Local Voices
Just Security’s “Local Voices” section features perspectives and analysis from individuals directly affected by conflict, human rights abuses, and political crises around the world.
320 Articles

The Just Security Podcast: Protecting Civic Space at the U.N. Climate Talks
Some of the world’s largest democracies lack a clear vision for protecting civic space and human rights in the UN climate talks.

To Avert Climate Crisis, Democracies Need to Protect Civic Space
During COP28, the international community must protect space for the public to participate in the collective effort to fight climate change.

Time to Enumerate the Slave Trade as a Distinct Provision in the Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
While the Draft Articles include a provision for enslavement, the slave trade and enslavement are distinct international crimes that should be enumerated as crimes against humanity.

Draft Crimes Against Humanity Treaty: Toward a Gender Progressive, Survivor-Centric, Intersectional Approach
Civil society is calling on States to apply a gender-competent, survivor-centric, and intersectional lens to a new convention on crimes against humanity.

Continued Positive Momentum on Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
An update on the U.N. General Assembly's Sixth Committee session in October, and what to expect for a proposed crimes against humanity treaty.

New Rule of Law Index: Spread of Authoritarianism Slows But Justice Systems Are Failing
Annual index reveals new global trends in reversing authoritarianism but concerns about civil and justice systems. See also U.S. rankings.

The U.N. Human Rights Council and the ICC Can Do More for Afghanistan
The United Nations Human Rights Council should create an independent investigative mechanism for Afghanistan.

At UNGA and Beyond, the World Is Already Turning a Blind Eye to Cambodia’s Stolen Election
Hun Manet's father, Hun Sen, selected him as prime minister last month. He's finding support at the U.N. and with U.S. companies.

Baby on Board! How Kleptocrats and Associates Use Family Members to Evade Sanctions
In many countries, it is possible for young children -- even babies -- to be corporate shareholders, offering a workaround for their parents.

Openings for Biden in the Inaugural US-Central Asia Summit at UNGA
Russia and China notwithstanding, serious ties should balance interests in regional cooperation, civil society, and security assistance.

India’s Digital Governance `Model’ Fails on Rights
In hosting the G20 summit, Prime Minister Modi is touting a sustainable digital future. But privacy and data protection fall to the wayside.

Dollars Deployed: How the Weaponization of the U.S. Financial System Contributed to Afghanistan’s Collapse
The collapse of the Afghan government to the Taliban and subsequent U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 marked the failure of two decades of fighting to root…